New Symptom of COVID-19 Visible on Feet and Toes

More than two months into this pandemic, we’re all quite familiar with the most common symptoms of a COVID-19 infection: fever, dry cough, and difficulty breathing. However, doctors worldwide have recently announced a new symptom of the disease: skin lesions on feet and toes. This skin condition is called “COVID toes.”

What are COVID toes?

Some people infected with the novel coronavirus suffer from changes in skin texture; for example, red, purple, itchy, burning, or bumpy patches of skin on their toes or other parts of their feet.

When and why do COVID toes develop?

Doctors don’t quite understand the relationship between COVID-19 and skin problems in the feet. However, they suspect that the body is reacting the same way it might react to other viral infections that cause skin rashes – for example, chickenpox or hand, foot, mouth disease. Another theory connects the skin inflammation to abnormal blood clotting in some patients.

Does everyone with COVID-19 get COVID toes?

No. COVID toes seem to be more common in young people with no other symptoms. Doctors at Massachusetts General Hospital noted that the condition appears in some patients who are in the advanced stages of the infection.

What should you do if you think you have COVID toes?

In some individuals, COVID toes go away after about 10 days. During that time, however, and possibly afterward, those people might pass the virus to others. Therefore, it’s really important to find out if you’re infected, even if you have no other symptoms.

Make an appointment with Dr. Megan L. Oltmann and Dr. Craig B. Frey at Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland for a full foot exam and possible coronavirus testing. Your actions can help prevent the spread of the disease. They also can provide us with data about COVID-19 infections that will help researchers in their continued fight. We encourage residents of Summit, Portage, Geauga, and Cuyahoga Counties with symptoms of COVID toes to contact us at our podiatry office in Solon, Ohio. Call us at (440) 903-1041 or contact us online.